We did it! Al-Caliph were finally champions of Fair Challenge Social Soccer 2010. After a long an enduring season, Al-Caliph beat Nautical FC 4-2 to clinch the title with two games to spare.
In front of a spartan crowd, Al-Caliph went on into unrelentless attack in the first half in search of the first goal. The searing heat was telling when the opponent had no fewer than five changes early on.
Although most players were fasting, we managed to cope. When changes made were, they were more tactical then tiredness.
Subs' Impact Once again, Shahril's introduction proved to be decisive. He made an immediate impact to the game. His contribution provided Khai to score the first goal of the game.
Raw diamond Dinesh connected with his polished gem Kathir to score a goal.
Wan got into the opponent and Tyrus was a virus. Man, he was close to scoring. Its getting there.
In every game we had played, the subs, whoever they are, came through for us. They ensured that the engine ran well. They take the opportunity provided by the players who played first to overcome the opponent. I agree with most that this season we have about the best squad we ever had.
Man Of The Match There were plenty of them on the field. The usual suspects were there and then some; Zamri, Bob, Khai, Kennerd, Deva, Shahril...
However, there was a player that started indifferently and went on to take game AND the team by the scruff of the neck to see out the mission.
Zhaf started slowly, getting into the pace of things. There was not much to shout about or tackles to get into as Zamri was mopping most of them and the team were going forward all the time.
In the second half, I had wanted to put Bob back in to bring extra zest in midfield but decided to retain zhaf for his leadership. If it was not that evident in the previous games, boy, how vocal he was in this.
Something must have snapped when the opponent got the equaliser. He immediately got into the opponents when it seems that the opponents were bossing the midfield. He calmed the team down after they had equalised. When it got all nervy, his commanding voice shut the best of us. Even khai, his good friend was not spared. In that situation, what everybody wanted or did was right. It was right for Deva to have left the ball out. Khai was also right in the reason for not letting the ball out. I anticipated that as well. However, Deva's decision will override all in that situation. And we have to make the best of it. Zhaf took control of that situation.
This has been what I have been asking in every game for years. Whether the going is tough or otherwise, we need leadership on the field. Kennerd showed it too when he ask for calm and get back into our rythmn.
Player Choice of Player I have spoken to Captain and Vice Captain. We have decided to let the players choose their choice player of the season. We will abstain voting unless there is a tie. So each player is to sms any of us your choice of the player of the season.
Next Season In the next season, there will be two leagues; one in north west, the other north east. We will be in North West. Each league comprises of 8 teams - for a start. After first round games, the organiser is thinking of a cup round between the two legs. In actual fact it was suppose to happen this year with two or three other league organisers but it didnt materialise. However this cup will only be known later once the league starts.
The league is slated to start in January. I know some of you have been asking of other leagues. Well I dont have any other contacts and no one has approached us. Further, this is the only league that gives cash reward. There are tougher teams that have joined the league so the standard is there game wise.
Sponsor Once again we would like to thank Mr Dino and his entourage for diligently attending our matches. A man who is very busy chose to watch us as a stress reliever. His tremendous and generous support, complete an already exciting season. He allowed us to embark a strong challenge with much vigour. Once again, he got overly excited and offered an over the top bonus. I tell ya, our story is back page material.